Healthy People 2020 Breastfeeding Goals

According to the CDC’s 2016 Breastfeeding Report Card, DC has already met the Healthy People 2020 goal in terms of breastfeeding initiation rates of at least 81.9%. That’s great news, but we still have lots of work to do!

While DC does have a high initiation rate of breastfeeding (82.8%), our rates of breastfeeding drop off pretty dramatically after that (DC doesn’t meet the 6 months breastfeeding goal). What mothers need is more support after they leave the hospital! And that’s why we’re here. We have long recognized this gap in postpartum care, and continue to work to fill it.

What will the Breastfeeding Center do in 2017 to help DC meet the Healthy People 2020 breastfeeding goals? We will:

1. Continue offering private lactation consultations to all DC area families, regardless of ability to pay.

2. Expand our offering of free classes and support groups to ensure that families get all the education and support they need.

3. Partner with other organizations to train more DC lactation consultants to serve their communities.

4. Cultivate relationships with organizations working with expectant and new mothers throughout the city to offer professional lactation support.